Jon Gruden makes NFL return, affords assist to Saints' Derek Carr

Breaking his extended silence from the NFL, Jon Gruden has made a stunning comeback by making his strategy to New Orleans. The previous Raiders head coach has taken up a brand new function, becoming a member of the Saints to offer essential assist and steerage to his long-time buddy, Derek Carr.

As reported by NOLA.com, Gruden has been immersing himself within the Saints’ atmosphere, specializing in serving to Carr navigate the transition from the offensive system he ran with the Raiders to the one he’ll now function throughout the Saints group.

Curiously, the offensive scheme employed by the Saints shares notable similarities with the one Carr was accustomed to beneath Gruden’s tenure with the Raiders. This connection could be traced again to Sean Payton, the mastermind behind the Saints’ offense.

Whereas Payton has since moved on, the present offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael, spent a powerful 16 seasons beneath Payton’s wing, guaranteeing continuity within the group’s offensive philosophy.

Gruden and Payton’s offensive bond could be traced again to their time collectively in Philadelphia. Throughout the 1997 season, Gruden served because the Eagles‘ offensive coordinator whereas Payton assumed the function of quarterbacks coach, laying the inspiration for his or her shared method.

Carr says is similar offensive idea

Addressing the familiarity, Carr expressed, “It is the identical idea, simply completely different terminology… Completely different phrases, completely different meanings.” Talking to NOLA.com, Carr acknowledged the educational curve however emphasised the benefit of getting a strong basis in an analogous offensive framework.

Recognizing the overlapping offensive ideas between the Saints and Raiders, the Saints administration seized the chance to convey Gruden again into the fold, aiming to facilitate Carr’s transition. This reunion between Carr and his former mentor goals to make sure a seamless adjustment course of for the gifted quarterback.

Carr himself make clear the state of affairs: “It is a new system, new terminology, however there are a lot of similarities to what I grew up with and imagine in. There’s nonetheless a studying curve, however it’s not as steep as ranging from scratch in a wholly completely different system.”

Gruden beforehand served as Carr’s coach for three-and-a-half years till his resignation because the Raiders coach in October 2021, prompted by the general public publicity of offensive emails containing derogatory language concentrating on varied teams.